Power of Influence!

Never underestimate the power you have to influence the people around you. Some of you may think that you don’t influence anyone but the reality is everyday you are rubbing shoulders with people and in some way are imparting something of yourself to them. Don’t take this gift for granted. Influence is multi-faceted and has many dimensions to it. Let’s explore some of the more overt characteristics of INFLUENCE:

Influence is a gift – Psa 75 tells us that influence and promotion doesn’t come from the east, west, north or south but from the hand of God. God is the source of influence and He alone pulls down one and lifts up another. We don’t deserve influence but we receive it as a gift from the hand of God.

Influence is a privilege – We should never take for granted the privilege we have to make a difference in people’s lives. Influence alters the thinking, words, relationships, behaviour and destiny of those around us. What a privilege to be used in such a way?

Influence is a responsibility – With every great privilege comes great responsibility. The Bible reminds us, “To whom much has been given, much is required.” More influence just means more responsibility to others and their well being. Don’t look at influence with stars in your eyes but look at it with sober judgment.

Influence is criticized – Prepare yourself for much criticism and persecution as an influencer. You are now a target and you will be talked about negatively and you just need to acknowledge it and deal with it because it will only grow worse. Make sure your identity is secure in Christ and not in the opinions of others, otherwise you’ll crash and burn.

Influence is a stewardship – God entrusts influence to you like a manager entrusts a responsibility to one of his employees. We are to manage and steward the entrustment God has given to us taking care to protect it, develop it and sharpen it to become more effective.

Influence can be corrupted – Check your motives at the door when you step into the circle of influence. As quickly as you received it, so too can you lose it. Motive for why you do what you do means everything. Too many people want influence for the wrong reasons and still others let influence go to their craniums and they start to compromise their convictions thinking they’re the exception to the rule. Don’t let that happen to you. Influence others for the right reasons and the rest will take care of itself.